DETAILED plans for the Queen’s death have emerged – and reveal Charles will address the nation that night before going on a mourning tour of Britain.
The secret blueprint for codename Operation London Bridge also includes arrangements for heightened security, Covid contingencies and even the Royal Family’s social media accounts.
It meticulously chronicles preparations for the 10 days from the monarch’s passing to her state funeral at Westminster Abbey.
Her Majesty, 95, is in good health but the Cabinet Office plans appear to have been updated to factor in the pandemic.
D-DAY
The day the Queen dies will be known in Whitehall as D-Day, according to Politico which obtained the plans.
The Prime Minister will be told by Buckingham Palace’s most senior courtier, while the head of the civil service and top ministers will also be informed.
Flags will be lowered to half-mast across Government buildings within 10 minutes and Parliament will adjourn if sitting.
Like when Prince Philip died earlier this year, the Royal Family’s website will revert to a black holding page confirming the Queen’s death.
A national minute’s silence will be held, the PM will have a 6pm audience with the new King Charles, whose succession is codenamed Operation Spring Tide.
CHARLES TOUR
After duties in London, Charles will embark on a tour of the UK, visiting Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Queen’s coffin will lie in state for public viewing before her funeral.
Politico reports that the Department for Transport has raised fears about London being gridlocked by hordes of people flocking to the capital to pay their respects.
The Home Office will beef up the security presence in the city because of the heightened terror risk.
And the Foreign Office will try to negotiate entry for overseas dignitaries who could be blocked by any future Covid restrictions.
The pandemic loomed large over Prince Philip’s funeral at Windsor Castle in April.
Guests were limited to a handful of senior royals – who all had to wear masks – and the Queen was forced to sit by herself.
Barring any backsliding in restrictions, Westminster Abbey should be packed with politicians, statesmen and royals for the Queen’s funeral.
Queen Elizabeth is the UK’s longest reigning monarch, having been on the throne since 1952.
